Singer and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador India Arie

When an earthquake strikes an impoverished country, when a war causes bloodshed and damages resources and when disease spreads across villages in foreign lands, UNICEF is there as the face of relief for the world’s smallest sufferers.

UNICEF employees and volunteers work in 156 countries and territories and when we say “work,” we mean the roll-up-your-sleeves-and-save-lives kind of work. On any given day they are vaccinating children against deadly diseases like polio or measles, packing and delivering emergency supplies, lobbying government officials, providing clean water for drinking and sanitation and counseling communities about HIV/AIDS prevention and prenatal care.

Beyond their staffers, UNICEF depends on a group of Goodwill Ambassadors, like Sarah Jessica Parker, Lucy Liu and Clay Aiken. The organization makes no apologies for relying on the fame of a celebrity. As their web site explains, “Celebrities attract attention, so they can focus that attention on the needs of children in their own countries and beyond. They have access to those with the power to make decisions. They can use their talents and fame to fundraise and advocate for children.” And when it comes to choosing the celebrities, UNICEF doesn’t hold a fashion contest. They seek out people who already have a proven commitment to helping children.

Take R&B singer and songwriter India Arie. During a 2004 concert in her hometown of Atlanta, some UNICEF employees happened to be in the audience. They listened as Arie spoke about her passions: the empowerment of women and the AIDS crisis in Africa. After the concert they approached India Arie about being one of their Goodwill Ambassadors. Honored, she eagerly agreed and soon after she went on a “field trip” to Mombasa, Kenya.